Zainab Nathani: Illinois High School Student Develops Solar-Powered Material to Harvest Drinking Water From Air: High school student Indian American Zainab Nathani is gaining international recognition for developing an innovative bio-based material capable of collecting moisture from the atmosphere and converting it into liquid water using only sunlight.
Nathani, a junior at Niles Township West High School in Niles, Illinois, developed the technology using emulsion-templated composite biogels, highly porous materials designed to capture water vapour from humid air. When exposed to natural solar heat, the material releases the trapped moisture as liquid water without requiring electricity or an external energy source.
Her project, titled “Emulsion-Templated Composite Biogels for Scalable Solar-Driven Atmospheric Water Generation,” earned a Fourth Award in the Materials Science category at the 76th Annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Phoenix in May 2026.
Nathani qualified for the international competition through the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Exposition, placing her research among projects presented by some of the world’s most promising young scientists.
The technology focuses on atmospheric water harvesting, an emerging area of research aimed at extracting water directly from moisture in the air. Unlike conventional desalination or filtration systems, Nathani’s approach uses the porous structure of specially engineered materials to absorb atmospheric water vapour before releasing it through solar heating.
The technique uses emulsion templating, where normally immiscible liquids are combined in a controlled process to create precisely structured pores within a bio-based gel. By adjusting the pore architecture, researchers can potentially increase the amount of atmospheric moisture captured and improve the efficiency with which the water can subsequently be released.
The project’s emphasis on scalability could make the technology particularly relevant for remote, arid and water-stressed communities where conventional water infrastructure may be difficult or costly to construct.
Nathani has reportedly worked with senior researchers at the Midwest Desalination Research Institute, focusing on the development of low-cost nanomaterials for atmospheric water harvesting.
Her scientific work is also closely connected to her community advocacy.
Nathani founded the Niles Area Thirst Project, an initiative affiliated with the international Thirst Project, through which she raises funds to support the construction of clean-water wells in communities lacking reliable access to safe drinking water.
Her involvement in water-related causes extends to awareness campaigns and youth advocacy aimed at helping communities understand the global challenges surrounding water security.
Beyond her research activities, Nathani serves as President of her school’s Futures In STEM Club and participates as a three-season varsity athlete. She has also been involved in tutoring younger students across subjects including mathematics, science, history and language arts.
The combination of laboratory research and community engagement highlights a growing movement among young scientists to develop technologies addressing major humanitarian and environmental challenges.
Access to clean water remains one of the world’s most significant development concerns, particularly in regions affected by drought, infrastructure shortages and climate-related pressures. Technologies capable of using renewable energy to capture atmospheric moisture could eventually complement conventional water supplies in such communities.
While atmospheric water generation remains a developing scientific field, Nathani’s research demonstrates how advances in materials science, renewable energy and sustainable engineering could contribute to practical solutions.
Her work also underscores the increasing role young researchers are playing in tackling global challenges—combining scientific experimentation with grassroots advocacy to transform innovative ideas into potential real-world impact.
